red-bellied woodpecker

The red-bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) is a bird found in the eastern United States. It is characterized by a barred black-and-white back, grayish-tan underparts with a reddish tinge on the belly, and a red crown and nape in males, with females having red only on the nape.1

Woodpeckers, in general, are a diverse group of birds known for their ability to probe tree bark for insects and chisel nest holes. They are found nearly worldwide, with the exception of Australia and New Guinea, and are most common in South America and Southeast Asia. While most woodpeckers primarily eat insects, some species also consume fruits and berries. Many woodpeckers are not social and tend to be solitary or travel in pairs.2